Primate Ayodele Builds Mosque to Unite Faiths, Celebrate Humanity
By Arikawe Femi
The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, is set to commission a mosque he personally built on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The commissioning will also mark the conclusion of his 21-day annual thanksgiving programme, which began in January and ends on Sunday, February 15.
Primate Ayodele said the mosque is the first of its kind, noting that no prominent Christian cleric has reportedly built a mosque before. He explained that the decision was guided by a divine instruction he received years ago.
“My decision to build a mosque is not because I want to become a Muslim, but a direct representation of what God told me to do. I have Muslims attending my church, I attend Muslim programmes to preach when I am called upon, and I have several Muslim friends, so following the God-given instruction was not too hard for me,” he said.
The cleric emphasized that the mosque represents a message of religious tolerance and shared humanity.
“Beyond being a divine instruction, this is a message of religious tolerance across the globe. If we can resolve the issue of religion in the world, it would definitely be a better place for all of us. I love everyone, regardless of their religion or tribe, and building a mosque further showcases that. God created everyone equally; we should not celebrate things that further divide us,” he added.
Primate Ayodele also revealed that the mosque, which will bear the name of the late mother of President Bola Tinubu, will be handed over to the Islamic community for independent operation.
“By God’s grace, the mosque will be named after the late mother of President Tinubu, and we will be handing over its operations to the Islamic community without any interference,” he stated.
The cleric, known for his philanthropic efforts, has previously supported other churches financially, empowered individuals beyond his congregation, and contributed to the construction of church buildings outside his ministry.
The commissioning of the mosque, according to Primate Ayodele, is a symbol of unity, peace, and respect across religious boundaries, reflecting his broader commitment to human dignity and coexistence.
